Chapter 326 · The Opening of Battle

00AI-written

A suited announcer stands before a burst of light, holding a paper as he declares the election rules. "THEREFORE, STARTING FROM THE 5TH BALLOT IT WILL BE AN ELECTION AMONG THE TOP 16 VOTE-GETTERS! PLEASE TAKE CAREFUL NOTICE!!" he states. A side panel adds, "REGARDING THE ELECTION FOR THE 13TH ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN... IN THE LAST BALLOT, THE VOTING RATE EXCEEDED 95%!!" The announcer continues, "THIS SITE HAS SPEECH VIDEO AS WELL, SO PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOTES AFTER CONSIDERING EVERYTHING CAREFULLY! AND WITH THAT, I WILL INTRODUCE THE TOP 16 CANDIDATES, BY ORDER OF NUMBER OF VOTES!!" Vertical text on the left reads "WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES OF INTEREST...?" Below, the Hunter × Hunter logo appears beside two large portraits. On the left, Cheadle Yorkshire, a dog-like humanoid with glasses and a frilly outfit, holds an open book while looking serious. Her caption reads "CHEADLE YORKSHIRE TRIPLE HUNTER THE BRAINS OF THE ZODIAC TWELVE STAMPING OUT SEEDS OF TROUBLE EVERYWHERE." On the right, Pariston Hill, a smiling blond man with a star-shaped hair clip and patterned suit marked with the number 1, rests his chin on his hand. His caption states "PARISTON HILL TRIPLE HUNTER CURRENT HUNTER ASSOCIATION VICE CHAIRMAN HIS MOTTO IS, 'A KIND HUNTER ASSOCIATION'." The page footer shows "No. 326 ◆ The Opening of Battle."

Cheadle YorkshirePariston Hill

A black banner displays the title 'HUNTER x HUNTER' with credits 'CREATED BY YOSHIHIRO TOGASHI' and 'AND PRESENTED BY mangastream.com'. Below, a colorful close-up of Gon Freecss with green hair and yellow jacket appears against a fiery background. Credit boxes list: 'CLEANED BY MEGATRON, PROSTYLE', 'REDRALS BY SANDY, CC', 'TYPESETTING BY CC, ZIDANE', 'TRANSLATED BY WAYCHANGER', and 'PROVIDED BY FRIEDRICH'. A notice box states: 'You can read this chapter and more at the source in its original high quality: www.mangastream.com' and 'DO NOT REHOST THIS CHAPTER. PLEASE DON'T SUPPORT WEBSITES THAT DO. CONSIDER BUYING THE OFFICIAL VOLUMES WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE.' The mangastream.com logo appears at the bottom.

Gon Freecss

A dense profile spread presents multiple Hunter Association members with numbered badges and detailed captions. Botobai Gigante (4) is introduced as TRIPLE HUNTER, THE MOST SENIOR OF THE ZODIAC TWELVE IN NAME AND IN ABILITY THE ONE CLOSEST TO BEING CHAIRMAN. Leorio Paladiknight (3) appears as ROOKIE, THE NEW SUPERSTAR THAT SENT GING FLYING IN THE MIDST OF STUDY TO BECOME A DOCTOR. Mizaistom Nana (5) is labeled CRIME HUNTER (DOUBLE), THE CONSCIENCE OF THE ZODIAC TWELVE, A MAN WITH COMMON SENSE, EVEN ACKNOWLEDGING THOSE THAT WISH TO AVOID HAVING A CHAIRMAN. Teradin Neutral (7) is shown as HEAD HUNTER (DOUBLE), A SPECIALIST IN DISCOVERING AND CULTIVATING TALENT DESIRES TO RADICALLY OVERHAUL THE HUNTER SELECTION EXAM. Ickshonpay Kaztouger (6) is described as HACKER HUNTER (SINGLE), RESIDENT OF THE DIGITAL WORLD, PERSONALLY STILL ABSTAINING FROM VOTING. Morali Mccarnathy (8) is introduced as SEA HUNTER (SINGLE), TRIPLE HUNTER IN A SINGLE LEAP, AFTER THE CHIMERA SUPPRESSION INCIDENT? EXPOUNDS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF NON-NATIVE SPECIES. Saccho Kobayakawa (9) is shown as TROUBLE HUNTER (DOUBLE), THE COUNSELOR OF THE ZODIAC TWELVE, REFORMING THE ASSOCIATION FROM BEHIND THE SCENES.

Botobai GiganteLeorio PaladiknightMizaistom NanaTeradin NeutralIckshonpay KaztougerMorali MccarnathySaccho Kobayakawa

A second profile spread continues the Hunter introductions against a starry background. Biscuit Krueger (10) is presented as GEM HUNTER (DOUBLE), A TRUE YOUNG LADY OF THE HUNTER ASSOCIATION, THERE IS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WANT TO PISS HER OFF. Rinne Hors-d'Oeuvre (11) is labeled GOURMET HUNTER (DOUBLE), THE OLDEST HUNTER IN THE ASSOCIATION, IT'S BEEN 5 YEARS SINCE HER VOICE HAS BEEN HEARD. Bushidora Ambitious (12) appears as BLACKLIST HUNTER (SINGLE), HUNTER ASSOCIATION DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE MEMBER, ADVOCATE OF THE REVISING THE "10 RULES FOR HUNTERS". St. Bika Norton is described as VIRUS HUNTER (SINGLE), A FEMALE DOCTOR IN THE HUNTER ASSOCIATION, PERSONALLY QUITE BEWILDERED, THINKING, "DON'T VOTE FOR ME...". Lupe Highland is shown as LOST HUNTER, SEEKING THOSE FROM WHOM CONTACT HAS BEEN LOST ENGAGED IN THE PROBLEM OF LOST ASSOCIATION MEMBERS. Ging Freecss (13) is introduced as RELIC HUNTER, VAGABOND OF THE ZODIAC TWELVE, DID HE JUST BARELY MANAGE TO STAY IN BECAUSE OF SYMPATHY VOTES? Cutie Beauty is labeled YOUTH AND BEAUTY HUNTER (SINGLE), RECOGNIZED AS CAPTAIN OF THE VICE CHAIRMAN'S BODYGUARDS, AIMING FOR A "YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL" ASSOCIATION.

Biscuit KruegerRinne Hors-d'OeuvreBushidora AmbitiousSt. Bika NortonLupe HighlandGing FreecssCutie Beauty

A car speeds along a winding mountain road as dramatic sound effects punctuate the motion. In the foreground, Killua stares intently at a tablet screen displaying the vehicle, his expression shifting from surprise to realization. Alluka stands beside him, also focused on the footage. Nearby voices comment on the surprising video and praise the man inside the car. Someone notes that Leorio is in third place, while another wonders if Gon's father was truly disliked given the standing ovation. The discussion highlights the bold use of a Nen ability resembling an Emission type in front of many people. The scene shifts to a dimly lit interior where a man with glasses speaks into a phone, addressing Illumi-sama with urgency. A servant responds that they will wait a moment and confirms they will act right away.

KilluaAllukaIllumiunidentified man with glasses

Killua holds a phone to his ear, his face showing intense focus as he processes new information. A panel displays the title 'The Family's Intercorrelation Diagram' regarding Alluka. Thanks to Gotoh, Killua states he now clearly understands the complex web of relationships. The large diagram maps out the Zoldyck family's connections to Alluka, showing arrows for loyalty, control, enmity, give-and-take dynamics, and super-vices. Killua, Alluka, and other family members including a long-haired woman, a stern man, and a small figure are connected through various emotional and power-based ties. In the lower panels, a woman with dark hair reflects on the family's vigilance toward Alluka's ability and the dilemma of controlling it. She notes that the strict confinement contrasts with a room full of toys. A profile of a long-haired character explains that their father lets Gotoh come rather than stopping them by force, believing in them no matter what.

KilluaAllukaunidentified long-haired womanunidentified stern manunidentified small figure

Tsubone and Amane stand together, their expressions serious. Tsubone notes that although Gotoh and Canary are not able to help them openly, they are at least on their side. Amane and Tsubone understand this and remain on guard. If anything happens they can collect everyone immediately, and in the best case scenario they can even get a hint of how to control Alluka—that is what he must be thinking. That is why he put Tsubone and Amane, the most trusted subordinates he directly supervises, on with them. A sudden close-up shows Illumi's narrowed eyes as someone shouts 'ILLUMI...!!' and then the scene shifts to a winding mountain road where a car travels. In the next panel Killua stands holding a phone, sweat on his face, speaking intensely with another character. He states that most likely Illumi wants to have Alluka. This means that Illumi's position is different from that of Amane and Tsubone—in other words, different from father and grandfather's position, and in a bad way. In the instant his name was mentioned Amane's anxiety shot up abnormally.

TsuboneAmaneIllumiKillua

A massive white burst radiates across a black panel with the bold declaration 'THIS IS AN "INNER MISSION"!' Gotoh appears in profile, calmly stating it is a fine play. He explains that by suddenly speaking that name, the speaker was probing for Amane's reaction. If this were Tsubone she would have noticed the slight change in Gotoh upon answering the phone. A translator note clarifies the term literally means 'household directive.' A chessboard scene follows with large chess pieces, emphasizing that rather than attempting to consolidate areas of common opinion, each person simply gives their all to achieve their own goals—it is a serious battle. In the event that family members have different ways of thinking or objectives, the conflict intensifies. The final panels return to the earlier scene with Killua's hair and face visible alongside Alluka. Killua declares he wants to save Gon and let Alluka be free as well. He notes that father and grandfather want to keep Alluka close at hand to control her, and they do not want him to fall into danger because of Alluka's ability either.

GotohKilluaAlluka

Killua grips his phone tightly, his face twisted in fury as he declares that someone intends to kill Alluka. On the other end of the line, Illumi stares at his own phone with a calm, calculating expression and asks if the caller is Killua. Killua confirms with a terse 'Yeah...' and states that he is totally lucid now. Illumi notes that the needle has been removed. Killua asks if Illumi wants to kill him, and Illumi replies that he does so he can have at it. The conversation crackles with tension as both brothers confront the possibility of lethal intent within the family.

KilluaIllumi

Illumi continues the call, explaining that an inner mission prevents the killing of family members. He laughs softly while stating this rule. In a smaller panel, Amane stands with eyes closed beside Tsubone, who watches silently. Large stylized text emphasizes the reason father gave: treating someone as family means you must not think of killing them. The final panel shows a close-up of a suited figure with the words 'Ganging up against us...' and 'Each and everyone...' floating above, hinting at a larger conflict.

IllumiAmaneTsubone

A close-up fills the top of the page with Killua's intense face, wild spiky hair framing wide eyes and a determined expression as he stares ahead. Two jagged speech bubbles burst beside him: "BRING IT." and "I'LL BEAT YOU AT YOUR OWN GAME." Below, a narrow horizontal strip shows three tight panels: a sharp profile of a stern figure, then two close-ups of wide eyes and a sweating face with a visible drop on the cheek. The bottom half of the page is dominated by a large close-up of Alluka's calm face against black, her large eyes looking upward as an oval bubble states "I'M GOING TO BEGIN." A smaller bubble to the right adds "WELL THEN."

KilluaAllukasweating dark-haired character

A massive truck collides violently with a black sedan on a mountain road, sending the car flipping through the air amid flying debris and smoke. Rocks and fragments explode outward as the truck's front crumples. Inset panels show three shocked faces: a wild-haired figure with an open mouth, a wide-eyed man gripping a steering wheel, and a young driver with spiky hair whose face is lit by impact lines. Large onomatopoeia "ドドド" and impact symbols "!!!" dominate the lower half as the vehicles crash through a guardrail, dust and smoke billowing while the background mountains loom.

wild-haired passengermustached driverspiky-haired young driver

Killua stands tense with spiky hair flaring, eyes wide as massive impact shakes the area. A large vehicle erupts in smoke and debris while Tsubone, wearing sunglasses and a feathered collar, shouts urgently. "AHH, LEAVE IT TO ME!! KILLUA-SAMA!! STAY CLOSE TO ALLUKA-SAMA!!" she yells. Amane appears beside her with a serious expression. Tsubone continues the warning: "AND ON TOP OF THAT, KILLUA-SAMA WILL BE FORCED TO GO HOME WITH TSUBONE!! IF THE TWO OF YOU SEPARATE BY MORE THAN 1 METER ALLUKA WILL BE CONFISCATED BY AMANE!!" Alluka sits in the back seat looking worried. The cars speed along the road until a sudden jolt sends Alluka crying out "AGH!" with shock on her face as motion lines streak across the panel.

KilluaAllukaTsuboneAmane

The black car and white truck are hurled violently off the cliff edge, tumbling through the air with debris flying. The vehicles crash and roll down the steep rocky cliff face, sending up clouds of dust and fragments. In the tumbling car, Alluka is shown upside down with a terrified expression, eyes wide and mouth open. Tsubone and Amane react with shock inside the vehicle as impact lines and large SFX "ドガッ" and "ガシャ」 explode across the panels. The cliffside landscape stretches below with scattered trees and distant hills. The truck lands heavily, breaking apart on the slope while the car continues its chaotic descent.

AllukaTsuboneAmane

Two figures walk away across rocky terrain after a tense exchange. The long-haired one glances back slightly while the muscular figure with wavy hair strides forward confidently. In the distance, a plume of black smoke rises from a ruined structure amid impact marks and debris. Earlier panels show the long-haired figure in profile, speaking with a serious expression. "THAT WAS PRETTY EXTREME," remarks an unseen speaker with a club symbol. "WEREN'T YOU GOING TO ASK HIM FOR A FAVOR?" A smaller inset reveals the long-haired figure saying, "I WAS GIVEN INFORMATION." "I HAVE A 'SECRET INFORMANT.'" At the bottom, the same figure continues, "THERE WERE SOME POINTS I JUST COULDN'T ACCEPT." "AND AFTER VERIFYING IT..."

IllumiHisoka

A close-up shows the long-haired character's face with wide eyes and a tense expression. "KILLU IS..." "HIDING SOME RULES." SFX lines emphasize the moment. Subsequent panels depict a mountainous landscape with two distant figures, one standing and one seated. Hisoka's face appears in the foreground with a sly smile and a tear-like mark, fist raised. "OK," answers one voice. "WHILE YOU ELIMINATE THE BUTLERS NEARBY, IF THERE'S AN OPENING, PULL ALLUKA AWAY FROM KILLUA. THAT WOULD DO FOR NOW..." "THAT'S WHY I'M PUTTING AN END TO ALLUKA BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE." "HE VERY WELL MIGHT JUST HAPPILY ACCEPT THIS, GIVEN..." "AS LONG AS THERE ARE RULES THAT I DON'T KNOW ABOUT, IT'S POINTLESS TO MAKE NEGOTIATIONS WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO TAKE THOSE INTO ACCOUNT." Finally, Hisoka asks, "WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR ME TO KILL KILLUA, I WONDER?" while the long-haired character stands behind him saying, "BY THE WAY..."

IllumiHisoka

A swirling vortex fills the panel as a voice asks, "RIGHT HERE? RIGHT NOW?" Another voice replies, "SHALL I KILL YOU?" Hisoka appears with long hair and a star-marked cheek, his expression calm yet intense. He remarks, "YOUR KILLING AURA IS POURING OUT..." and adds with a small heart, "IT'S A JOKE." Killua stares upward in shock, eyes wide and body tense amid radiating lines.

HisokaKillua

Alluka mutters, "AHH... SHIT." while standing beside Killua. She asks, "YOU SET ME UP?" and wonders, "COULD IT BE..." Hisoka replies, "YOU KNOW, IF POSSIBLE, I WANT TO BE SAVED TOO," then firmly states, "NO WAY!" In the distance, a massive mountain landscape glows under a bright sky as someone shouts, "HE'S OVER THERE!!" and "ILLUMI'S KILLING AURA....!!" Killua stands small against the trees. A crowded panel shows many chibi-style characters with overlapping speech: "THE MORE TOYS YOU HAVE, NO?" and "THE MORE FUN YOU HAVE, NO?" A bottom strip displays close-up faces of Hisoka, Alluka, and others alongside the line, "WELL, IF POSSIBLE, THAT IS..."

AllukaKilluaHisokaunidentified chibi crowd

Killua glances back with a determined expression and tells Alluka, "CLOSE YOUR EYES AND HOLD ON TIGHT." Alluka, riding on his back, replies, "IT'S OK. LEAVE IT TO ONII-CHAN." The group moves swiftly through the dense forest. Amane walks alongside while Tsubone and another suited attendant keep pace behind them. Amane states, "IF OUR ROUTE WAS FOUND OUT, THIS WOULD ACTUALLY BE A GOOD CHANCE TO GO OFF THE TRACK." She adds, "IT'D BE BEST FOR US TO GET AS FAR AWAY FROM ILLUMI-SAMA AS POSSIBLE." Tsubone agrees with a firm "YEAH!" The party continues deeper among the trees, their figures small against the towering trunks. At the bottom of the page, a series of impact marks and motion lines streak across the ground.

KilluaAllukaAmaneTsubone

The group races through the forest, leaping between trees. A voice explains that Silva-sama and Zeno-sama are not Killua-sama's enemies and that their mission includes Killua-sama's safe conveyance. Amane tells Killua, "WHEN YOU'RE SAYING IT TO ME, AMANE, I JUST CAN'T OBEDIENTLY SAY 'YES.'" Killua replies, "I AGREE... BUT..." Amane continues, "TSUBONE AND I ARE NOT YOUR ENEMIES, KILLUA-SAMA." In a close-up, Killua's hair flares with intensity as he declares, "YOU GUYS WILL REMAIN OUR ENEMIES!" He adds, "AS LONG AS ALLUKA'S NAME IS MISSING FROM THOSE WORDS..." The page ends with the Hunter × Hunter logo and chapter number.

KilluaAmaneTsubone

End of chapter20 pages

Discussion

00AI-written

Cheadle YorkshirePariston Hill

Gon Freecss

Botobai GiganteLeorio PaladiknightMizaistom NanaTeradin NeutralIckshonpay KaztougerMorali MccarnathySaccho Kobayakawa

Biscuit KruegerRinne Hors-d'OeuvreBushidora AmbitiousSt. Bika NortonLupe HighlandGing FreecssCutie Beauty

KilluaAllukaIllumiunidentified man with glasses

KilluaAllukaunidentified long-haired womanunidentified stern manunidentified small figure

TsuboneAmaneIllumiKillua

GotohKilluaAlluka

KilluaIllumi

IllumiAmaneTsubone

KilluaAllukasweating dark-haired character

wild-haired passengermustached driverspiky-haired young driver

KilluaAllukaTsuboneAmane

AllukaTsuboneAmane

IllumiHisoka

HisokaKillua

AllukaKilluaHisokaunidentified chibi crowd

KilluaAllukaAmaneTsubone

KilluaAmaneTsubone

End of chapter20 pages